Exploring Social Justice Advocacy in Dietetic Education: A Content Analysis

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the extent to which knowledge- and skill-based learning regarding social justice and/or social justice advocacy is included in the course descriptions of required courses of accredited, English-speaking dietitian training programs in Canada. Methods: This study is a mixed-methods content analysis of required course descriptions sampled from university academic calendars for accredited, English-speaking dietitian training programs across Canada. Results: Quantitative analysis showed that required course descriptions (n = 403) included few instances of social justice-related terminology (n = 63). Two themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: competing conceptualizations of social issues and dietitians’ roles; prioritization of science-based knowledge and ways of knowing. Conclusions: Accredited, English-speaking dietitian training programs in Canada appear to include little knowledge- or skill-based learning regarding social justice issues and advocacy. Supporting future dietitians to pursue leadership roles in redressing social injustices and socially just dietetic practice may require more explicit education and training about social justice issues and advocacy skills.